In all of my research in regards to the Garrard 401, I’ve never seen reference to a MK2 version. What is the difference?
In praise of idlers
- Thread starter jespera
- Start date
every turntable drive approach has it's challenges. which are answered by degrees of execution. if you observe the pictures of the idler Saskia model two in this link, picture 3 and 4 are telling.
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/saskia-model-two.28727/
it shows the idler drive wheel in standby mode, sans platter. throw the lever, and the wheel slips into place connected to the inner platter surface and the motor shaft connected to the Pabst 3 phase motor. the idler drive wheel has a rubber nitril surface with a specific pliability which maximizes grip but minimizes resonance transfer from the motor shaft. observe the build quality of the drive wheel and it's gimbal 'yoke'.....with a bushing, not a bearing. it is really smooth.....and stout.
the motor is mounted on a lower slate plinth, which is suspended between the upper slate plinth holding the platter, and the footers. the plinth weighs 180 pounds, the platter 40 pounds.
idlers come in all sizes and levels of execution. i loved my Garrard 301.......the Saskia.....is another level. and should be.
no doubt u know there are mk1, 2 and 3 for the 401 (however u want to call them). Mk1 used 301 motor into 401 chassis (supposed to be the best), I heard it before but no direct comparison. mk2 different motor and bearing I think. mk3 from latter years. U can tell from the strobe light, provided the internals have not been altered of course.
Is this “official” or “unofficial?” How do you tell on the unit? Serial number?
The 3 digit number stamp underneath by the ground lug is the manufactured date. First digit is year 196x or 197x and last two digits are the week.
Ok. Thanks.
i usually tell by the strobe light, wouldn’t worry too much about the ‘lettering’.
Thank you for posting. Based on the serial number in the high 3’s and the raised strobe, I seem to have a late model unit.
I do find it interesting that no where on the Garrard does it say mk2 or mk3, this seems to be an unofficial designation.
This is my Torqueo Limited T 34
The standard is T34 exclusive and the Limited serie cost near double because inside quality of material and the thickness is different,and the look is the same.
I found it very very good and much better than my TD 124 Swissonor with nonmagnetic platter and a Garrard 401 i had
301 never tried at home,always listen in shop and i liked
The standard is T34 exclusive and the Limited serie cost near double because inside quality of material and the thickness is different,and the look is the same.
I found it very very good and much better than my TD 124 Swissonor with nonmagnetic platter and a Garrard 401 i had
301 never tried at home,always listen in shop and i liked
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Yes, I would say that inertia has got a lot to do with it. A very good friend of mine has a really nice Garrard 401. There are some belt drives that can do the same thing! Think of the Kuzma Stabi XL - DC and the Kuzma Stabi M...up to full platter speed in 5 seconds for XL - DC and 2 seconds for M, both have the new super stiff machined plastic belt, which doesn't stretch or walk and can last for 5 - 7 years...
Yes, I have heard the amazingly good Kuzma XL DC, and for me it was a really tough choice between that and the Stabi M, they are closer than you think, in some ways the M can seem to have slightly more get up and go, but not always the case. I do think that the XL DC wins in bass slam but they are very close. In the end I went for ease of set up, and the looks of old school turntable...
The origin of the idler magic? its that direct connection between a strong torque motor and heavy platter. No belts streching and wobble from stylus drag.
The torque of a typical 15w idler motor corresponds to the inertia of a 200kg platter!
Further, compared to direct drive, the torque ripple of the idler is much smaller and more frequent due to higher rotational speed. The heavier the platter, the more the torque ripple will be eliminated. And no electrical feedback system is needed.
My guess is that the kuzmas come close to idler performance due to that stiff plastic belt that locks the platter to the (big) motor.
The torque of a typical 15w idler motor corresponds to the inertia of a 200kg platter!
Further, compared to direct drive, the torque ripple of the idler is much smaller and more frequent due to higher rotational speed. The heavier the platter, the more the torque ripple will be eliminated. And no electrical feedback system is needed.
My guess is that the kuzmas come close to idler performance due to that stiff plastic belt that locks the platter to the (big) motor.
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